Fraudsters and The COVID-19 Pandemic – “Scammers are scuttling out of their dark corners to offer false hope”
Kehoe Law Firm, P.C. is making consumers aware that the FTC has provided additional cautionary guidance for individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding “scammers [that] are scuttling out of their dark corners to offer false hope (Home test kits! A cure!) and use fear (Your Social Security number is about to be revoked! Your loved one is in trouble!) – all to get your money or information. (None of those things are real, by the way.) “
The FTC cautions that scammers are: asking for your bank routing number to “help” you get your relief money; sending fake emails that look real, but fake CDC or World Health Organization emails are trying to steal your personal information – or, if you click a link, put malware on your computer, tablet, or phone; as well as repeatedly making illegal robocalls to pitch the latest scam, in addition to texting.
The FTC has provided a few ways individuals can help protect themselves and others from scammers:
- Don’t be rushed. Whatever the call, email, text, or social media post is about, remember that scammers try to rush you. Legitimate people do not.
- Check it out. Before you act on something or share it, stop and conduct some research to make sure the facts back up the story.
- Pass it on. If you get offered something great, or if you are worried about something alarming, talk to someone you trust before you act.
- Keep in touch with the FTC. Sign up for Consumer Alerts to help spot scams: ftc.gov/subscribe. And watch for the latest at ftc.gov/coronavirus.
- Report scams to the FTC. Go to ftc.gov/complaint. Reports can help the FTC shut down scammers.
Source: Federal Trade Commission – FTC.gov